Lite Shipping launches its brand new MV LiTE Ferry 10

TAGBILARAN CITY -- Lite Shipping Corporation, operating under the brand name Lite Ferries launched on February 28 a new MV LiTE RORO Ferry 10 for the Cebu City - Tagbilaran City - Larena, Siquijor - Plaridel, Misamis Occidental and vice versa route, with MV Lite Ferry 11, Lite Ferries now have daily trip departures in each destination in this route. 

MV LiTE Ferry 10 is a 72-meter-long coast wise Ro-Ro ferry, built in China and completed in 2024.  It has a depth of 4.50 meters, breadth of 16.80 meters and a GRT of 3,390 tons and can accommodate 500 passengers in various accommodations and 20 units of ten-wheeler heavy trucks plus 10 cars.

Vessel runs a service speed of 11 to 12 knots, classed by RINA of Italy and it has all lying bed bunks for passengers with both air-con or tourist rooms and non-air-con for standard accommodation.  

 

Lite Ferries operates one of the youngest fleets in the country with almost half of the fleet acquired brand new and one fourth of the fleet below 20 years upon acquisition, the result of the companies re-fleeting program for the past 10 years.

Running true to its tagline “Bridging Islands, Connecting Lives”, Lite Ferries is now connecting the Island of Bohol to the rest of the Philippines.  Operating in 32 destinations, Lite Ferries has been bridging the Visayas and Mindanao areas—the provinces of Sorsogon, Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte.

Bohol Governor, Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Cong. Zaldy Villa of Siquijor and Mayor Jane Yap of Tagbilaran attended as guests of honor during the Blessing and Inauguration held onboard the vessel at the Port of Tagbilaran City.

Representatives from the maritime industry namely MARINA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Cebu Port Authority (CPA) and other local government officials from their respective destinations were also there to celebrate this maritime milestone of connecting Central Visayas.

For more details and information, check out its website: https://liteferries.com.ph/ and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LiteShippingCorporation/. (Photos: Robby Alugar & Abigail Caruana)

 

 

Visayas region an emerging logistics, trade hub in PH

CEBU CITY – Over 150 shipping and logistics executives, manufacturers, importers and exporters, traders, and investors gathered in Cebu today, February 27 for the 4th Visayas Shipping Conference and Exhibit 2025 organized by PortCalls in partnership with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Region VII carrying the theme “Visayas Trade Logistics: Navigating a Competitive Landscape.”

“The Visayas region is emerging as a leading logistics and trade hub in the Philippines driven by strategic infrastructure development and investment with key projects include ports, road networks, and economic zones, which have boosted job creation and attracted investors,” Emmanuel Cortero, Zone Administrator, Mactan Economic Zone said in his keynote address at the conference.

Strategies to enhance supply chain efficiency include collaboration with ports, logistics agencies, and the creation of embedded ports and container yards. The goal is to position the Visayas as a premier logistics hub and strengthen the Philippines' global logistics network, Cortero added.

He said that the government has been working closely with ports and logistics agencies to ensure the seamless movement of goods, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance efficiency, proposed for the creation of an off-dock container yard in economic zones for more effective container exchange and the establishment of container freight stations.

It also promotes the development of embedded ports and logistics parks within economic zones to cater to the logistics needs of locators and lower the cost of doing business, leveraging the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) economic corridor and promote the development of the eastern seaboard and Bicol facing the Pacific Ocean to accelerate countryside development in the Visayas.

Economic Growth and Infrastructure Dev’t in the Visayas Region

The Visayas region continues to collaborate with government agencies and the private sector to optimize supply chain management and increase efficiency in logistics, Cortero bared that the Visayas region has overcome past challenges in infrastructure connectivity and investment flow, now serving as a thriving gateway for commerce.

The region has overcome past challenges in infrastructure connectivity and investment flow, now serving as a thriving gateway for commerce.  Major infrastructure projects, including ports, road networks, and economic zones, have played a crucial role in enhancing logistical capacities and attracting investors.  These developments align with the Marcos Junior administration's "Build Better More" initiative, focusing on enhancing the logistics and supply chain of the country, he bared.

“The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) aims to attract global investors in strategic sectors like transport, infrastructure, and public services, with a vision to develop key industries such as railways, shipping, toll roads, and transport networks,” Cotero added.

The Visayas region hosts 85 Economic Zones with over 700 locators, creating above 250,000 direct jobs for Filipinos.  In 2024, PEZA achieved a 22 percent increase in investment approvals, with P214B from 255 new and expansion projects, including 33 projects in the Visayas region.

Strategies to enhance supply chain, logistics efficiency and innovations

Cortero added that PEZA is committed to fostering an ecosystem that prioritizes innovation, efficiency, and sustainability to attract investors worldwide as it collaborates with ports and logistics agencies to ensure seamless movement of goods and reduce bottlenecks.

There are proposals to create an off-port container yard and container freight stations within economic zones for more effective container exchange. The PEZA Manila terminal, the first in the country inside an economic zone, will help decongest Manila ports and transport cargo to other regions.

“Embedded ports in economic zones will cater exclusively to the logistics needs of locators, reducing business costs and optimizing supply chain management,” Cortero said.

The Sun Economic Corridor is seen as a strategically significant hub for commerce, industry, and logistics, driving economic growth and regional development and eastern seaboard facing the Pacific Ocean is being promoted to accelerate countryside development in Visayas and the Bicol region.

Coping alternative gateways like major ports facing the Pacific will reduce congestion in existing ports and offer shorter routes to key markets.  New highways and rehabilitated railways are being developed to ensure unimpeded flow of goods and higher cargo carry capacity.

A whole-of-government approach is being adopted to address infrastructure needs through multi-industry infrastructure convergence. Government commitments include upgrading seaports to handle both container and bulk cargos, and establishing more regional air and seaports of international standards.

Efforts are also being made to improve operations and ease of doing business, expanding collaboration with government agencies and the private sector and these initiatives aim to optimize supply chain management, increase logistics efficiency, and support the entry of investments into the country.

PEZA emphasizes the importance of collaboration with international best practices to solidify the Visayas' position in the global logistics network. Adopting a forward-thinking approach and fostering innovation are crucial to enhancing trade efficiency and creating job opportunities.

“The goal is to establish the Visayas as a premier logistics hub and position the Philippines as a key player in the global logistics and maritime industry.  By working together, the region can propel the Visayas and the entire country towards a more dynamic and resilient logistics sector,” Cortero concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

New technologies in health, beauty aesthetics

CEBU CITY – Beauty aesthetics is a booming industry specializing on natural health and sustained skin rejuvenation with the introduction of new high-end non-invasive medical aesthetics treatment machines that revolutionize beauty treatment and a game-changing technology that redefines facial rejuvenation.

Introducing EMFACE, a machine that uses two technologies: mono RF for dermal heat and elastin/collagen stimulation, and High Intensity Facial Electromagnetic Stimulation or high FES for facial muscle stimulation.

“EMFACE is the first and only device that simultaneously treats both facial skin and muscles, delivering a natural lift, improved contour, and reduced wrinkles—all without needles or downtime,” Dr. Melinda Chiong of Ultra Beauty Institute and EMFACE provider in Cebu described the machine during an exclusive press launching event, February 24 at Shangrila Mactan, Cebu.

BTL Medical Technologies, Inc. is the global company based in Prague that distributes the EMFACE machines all over the world and BTL Aesthetics Philippines that has been in operation for 13 years in the country and headed by Ludivico Perez, Jr. is the sole distributor of EMFACE machine in the country and also specializes in cardio and rehab with aesthetics being one of its division.

Perez said that as of the latest update, there have been around 24 installations of the EMFACE machine nationwide, two of which are available in Cebu.  The EMFACE machine is unique in the industry for its targeted facial muscle stimulation capabilities. The company launched the EMFACE machine in March 2023 in the country and now in Cebu.

“It targets specific facial muscles, including the frontalis, zygomaticus and digastric muscles, with a new applicator for eye bags that was also recently introduced. This is the latest technology for simultaneously skin and muscle hands-free less wrinkles, more lift for younger- looking skin,” Perez bared. 

Perez added that there is a need to educate the market about EMFACE due to its new technology status and the launching event showed what EMFACE does to the face and its alternatives to existing facial procedures in the market.

The EMFACE technology facial treatment

Dr. Melinda Chiong shared the limitations of current anti-aging therapies, which focus on skin tightening and lifting but do not address muscle training.  They highlight the natural changes in facial appearance as it age, such as loss of skin laxity and a shift in smile appearance.

“The EMFACE machine treatment is the new non-invasive technology that improves facial aesthetics without pain, needles, or downtime, allowing individuals to resume normal activities post-treatment, a new technology that addresses the muscle training aspect of facial aging,” Chiong added.

She noted that most of her patients’ common inquiries about anti-aging treatments, particularly those that are comfortable and non-invasive and the importance of evidence-based medicine.  There is this novel, cutting-edge technology called EMFACE that offers effortless, painless facial treatments that show visible results without the need for anesthesia or creams. Chiong said she was impressed by the innovation and decided to offer it to her patients, highlighting its uniqueness in the market.

Danessa Onglatco, Ultra Beauty Institute and EMFACE brand ambassador shared her insights on the treatment’s transformative effects. She described a non-invasive facial treatment that causes a warm sensation and gentle muscle contraction without pain. She appreciates the lack of downtime post-treatment, allowing her for immediate return to normal activities without concerns of redness.

Onglatco notes immediate visible results, including a more radiant and lifted appearance of the skin after the first session. This treatment is recommended for those seeking a non-invasive method to maintain a youthful glow.

Chiong recommends the EMFACE treatment with a structured session plan for clients, particularly those living abroad, which involves scheduling sessions at varying intervals (2-10 days) and adjusting the frequency based on the client's visit duration.

The sessions are designed to deliver results over time, with maximum benefits observed around 12 weeks or three months post-treatment, and lasting effects up to six months. The sessions utilize RF technology to stimulate collagen production without causing warmth or discomfort, which is crucial for maintaining skin health as we age, Chiong said.

Chiong also discussed the variability in patient responses to treatment and healing processes. Some patients with good tissue quality may not require additional treatments for over a year after completing the initial four sessions.

However, others may request follow-up treatments a year later, even if the initial sessions were started two years prior. To date, no patient has requested further sessions after the fourth session. The need for additional treatments depends on the individual's satisfaction with the treatment outcomes, Chiong added.

Advancements in electromagnetic and RF technology in health, beauty and aesthetics

Perez discussed the advancements in electromagnetic and radiofrequency (RF) stimulation technologies for body contouring and muscle rehabilitation which BTL Aesthetics Philippines also offers, highlighting that while RF technology is effective, it takes longer due to the presence of more fat compared to facial treatments.

The EMFACE technology simultaneously heats the skin and muscles, enhancing functionality. It is noted as safe and effective, with applications for various body areas and issues, including love handles and pelvic floor muscles, which are crucial for both sexes.  BTL company also boasts a robust rehabilitation division with advanced machines, including robotics, solidifying its authority in muscle technology, Perez revealed.

Perez bared that the initial phase of body technology, mentioning electromagnetic stimulation and its cost, is a five to six-million-dollar range.  Electromagnetic and RF technology is the simultaneous delivery of heat to the skin and muscles, emphasizing its role in muscle warming and functional improvement.

Perez stresses the importance of safety in the technology, confirming its high level of safety with its BTL machines where the concept of applicators is introduced, clarifying that they are not special for love handles but serve a broader purpose.

There are also machines designed for the pelvic floor muscle, which is particularly useful for women with incontinence issues as well as helps with walking problems, particularly those related to pelvic floor muscles because pelvic floor muscles are crucial for both male and female sexual activities, citing literature and authority of its company in muscle technology, supported by its rehab division and advanced machines.  Perez bared the company's expertise, mentioning stroke machines and robotics machines for rehabilitation. 

EMFACE is now available in Cebu and this revolutionary treatment can be availed at these Cebu-based aesthetics Centers: Ultra Beauty Institute, Pearl Aesthetics and Laser Center, and Belo Medical Group.

For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about EMFACE, please contact: BTL Aesthetics Philippines info@btlaesthetics.com.ph sungat@btlnet.com

https://btlaesthetics.com.ph (Philippines site) https://btlaesthetics.com (International Site) (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

CPMS showcases Montessori education with open house

​MANDAUE CITY— The Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) hosted its 1st Montessori Open House after the pandemic on February 22, 2025 offering parents, education students from universities in Cebu, and other visitors the opportunity to explore the school’s educational philosophy and teaching environment.

CPMS president Marivic Bathan said, the CPMS Montessori Open House provided a unique opportunity for parents, visitors, and students to explore and appreciate the value of developmental and  hands-on learning, independence, and active engagement.

“With its focus on the Montessori method, the school continues to offer an educational experience that not only nurtures academic growth but also fosters life skills and a love for learning.  This is CPMS distinctive approach to early childhood and elementary education,” Bathan said. 

She added that the Montessori Open House is an annual event that aims to highlight the school’s dedication to the Montessori method—a holistic approach focused on child-centered learning, hands-on activities, and the development of independence. Parents and guests are given the chance to observe firsthand how the school fosters an interactive, nurturing environment that promotes student development and encourages natural curiosity.

At the open house, students from preschool to elementary levels prepared presentations across various subjects, including Language, Math, History, Geography, Geometry, Botany, Zoology, and more.  Using Montessori materials, the students demonstrated their knowledge, understanding, and skills, giving visitors an insight into the hands-on learning experiences the school distinctly provides.

Unlike the traditional classroom set-up that many are familiar with, CPMS embraces the Montessori method, which emphasizes autonomy, self-directed learning, and active participation. Montessori Curriculum Director Maria Isolde Tanjay explains that in a Montessori environment, the teacher’s role is to guide and facilitate, rather than to control or dictate, allowing students to take charge of their own learning journey. 

Tanjay noted that at CPMS, children are not taught inside a classroom with traditional seating arrangements or rigid schedules. Instead of tests and lectures, the school makes use of hands-on learning materials that allow students to understand and master through repetition lessons at their own pace. 

This approach fosters independent and critical thinking and problem-solving, encouraging students to explore subjects and pursue their interests through interactive activities, research, and collaborative work rather than passive listening. The focus is on developing a deeper grasp of concepts, rather than memorization or standardized assessments, Tanjay explained. 

When students Crystal Rhaiyne Flores, Jas Bathan, and Enrico Guanzon were asked about their thoughts on the school, they all shared how much they enjoyed and had fun working with the materials. They explained that the hands-on approach made learning easy, exciting and engaging, and they particularly appreciate the freedom to explore topics at their own pace. They also expressed their gratitude for their teachers and the friendships they had made.

“It was fun because we get to learn at our own pace, and we could do material work,” Enrico shared in an interview.

Since the Montessori method differs from the traditional way of teaching, Director Tanjay emphasized that the school prepares students for high school by providing a trnsition program which simulates a traditional classroom and provide coaching to Grade 6 students.  This program gradually introduces and orients children to different aspects of traditional learning. Twice a week, students participate in sessions that include traditional seating arrangements, homework, lectures, and tests, ensuring that they are ready for the more structured environment they will encounter in secondary school.

Parents Mommy Laica and Daddy Oliver Canumay, whose child has been enrolled at CPMS from preschool to elementary, shared how the Montessori experience has positively impacted their child’s development, not only in academics but also in life skills.

“I’m always surprised by my child, to tell me honestly. When it comes to kids, I’m not really hands-on because I’m often busy with our business. So my wife gets to witness how the child is doing. I’m just amazed because, wow, he already knows this. For example, with his toys, when he’s done playing, he picks them up,” Daddy Oliver explained. “I’m amazed because he already knows how to read fluently, and with new words, sometimes, he even learns deep ones.”

“We were really amazed because they’re not just teaching in the traditional way. They’re also teaching how to pack things, how to be independent, and how to help your mom and dad at home,” Mommy Laica added.

The CPMS welcomes visitors anytime within the school year for a chance to have a tour to learn about the learning environment of the children. Enroll your child now at Children’s Paradise Montessori and experience the Montessori community! (Photos: CPMS)